The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is urging fireworks display organizers in Illinois to ensure their vendors have the necessary state licenses and certificates. The Illinois Explosives Act mandates that anyone handling explosives, including display fireworks, must hold an explosives license and storage certificate issued by the IDNR. Consumer fireworks (1.4 explosives) are exempt from IDNR requirements and regulated by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM).

Approved consumer fireworks can only be used in jurisdictions that allow such displays through local ordinances. Adults with permits can purchase and display them, but hand-held fireworks like firecrackers and bottle rockets are not allowed in Illinois. A comprehensive list of approved and prohibited fireworks can be found on the SFM Illinois website.

The IDNR's Office of Mines and Minerals, Explosives and Aggregate Division oversees the Illinois Explosives Act. The division, staffed with trained specialists, ensures compliance with licensing and storage regulations. The law also stipulates that unattended display fireworks and explosives must be stored in IDNR-inspected and certified facilities.

Illinois currently has 2,165 licensed individuals, including 757 for display fireworks, and 737 certified explosives storage facilities with approximately 41 million pounds of explosives. Violating the IDNR's licensing or storage requirements is a violation of Illinois law, punishable by a Class 3 felony with up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The IDNR can also impose administrative fines.

Chief Erik Kambarian of the Illinois Occupational Safety and Health Division highlights the importance of trained and licensed fireworks display operators for spectator safety. Emergency responders should promptly report injuries or property damage caused by explosives, including display fireworks, to the IDNR and the OSFM.

For more information, visit the IDNR and OSFM websites. To report an incident involving display fireworks, contact the IDNR Office of Mines and Minerals, Explosives and Aggregate Division at 217-782-9976 and the OSFM at 217-785-0969.